About IRRI The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baรฑos, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff.
Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.
Job Purpose
The Programs and Portfolio Manager is responsible for leading the strategic alignment, assessment, and effective management of IRRI's project portfolio across SEAsia, South Asia and East and Southern Africa (and beyond) to maximize impact and deliver the instituteโs strategic objectives ensuring alignment with IRRIโs new strategy. The Manager will develop standards and guidelines to ensure sound project management principles are applied across the IRRI portfolio of projects and programs. The position will work with project leaders, project managers and coordinators to ensure that key principles of effective project management and project design are in place in every project. The Manager will work with the Portfolio Development and Research Teams in designing clear and effective project work structures and plans, that will enable resource efficiencies, allow for portfolio-level assessments, comparisons and institutional learning.
This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baรฑos, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Support in aligning IRRIโs projects and programs strategically with organizational goals and vision.
- Develop and implement portfolio and project management strategies, guidelines and tools ensuring optimized resource allocation and value delivery for each project
- Develop and implement helpful tools for project management that will also enable data collection, integration and insight generation at the portfolio level.
Engage with senior stakeholders internally and externally to maintain strategic partnerships. - Coordinate with units such as Finance, IKS, Research and IE to facilitate integrated project management, project resource optimization, and effective decision-making.
- Support research teams in developing project work plans and frameworks following sound project management principles and guidelines.
- Coordinate with Research Project Leaders and Project Coordinators to monitor project implementation to ensure these are on-track to achieving its commitments.
- Collaborate with Finance team to ensure project budgets follow approved standards and contractual obligations, and are being used efficiently and effectively.
- Lead portfolio performance evaluation, ensuring projects deliver measurable outcomes aligned with strategic targets.
- Document and advise senior management on portfolio risks, issues, and dependencies, proactively mitigating potential impacts.
- Regularly communicate portfolio status to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Masterโs or PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Statistics, Project Management, or related fields with a minimum 7 years' experience managing complex portfolios, programs, and projects preferably in international agricultural research or related sectors.
- Bachelorโs degree in Agricultural Sciences, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Statistics, Project Management, or related fields with a minimum of 10 yearsโ experience managing complex portfolios, programs, and projects preferably in international agricultural research or related sectors.
- Proven track record in strategic portfolio management, stakeholder engagement, and governance.
Skills Required
Mandatory
- Strategic planning, portfolio management methodologies (PMI, PRINCE2, or MoP).
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred
Experience working in international agricultural research institutions or similar organizations Knowledge of agricultural research funding mechanisms and donor relationshipsIRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.
Join our team and be part of our story!
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.